Barasch & McGarry Celebrates the Thirteenth Anniversary of the Zadroga Act

Today, January 2, marks the thirteenth anniversary of the “James Zadroga 9/11 Health and Compensation Act of 2010,” named in honor of hero NYPD Detective James Zadroga, a Barasch & McGarry client.

The act established the World Trade Center (WTC) Health Program and reactivated the 9/11 Victim Compensation Fund (VCF), providing free health care and compensation to responders and survivors who are diagnosed with cancer or respiratory illness as a result of their exposure to toxins at Ground Zero, the Pentagon, and the Flight 93 crash site in Shanksville, Pennsylvania.

Since then, about 165,000 members of the 9/11 community have registered with the compensation fund and more than 64,000 responders and survivors have enrolled in the health program.

The law was reauthorized and extended in 2015 and 2019.

In thirteen years, the 9/11 VCF has awarded $12 billion to 9/11 first responders, survivors, and their families.

Barasch & McGarry has recovered more than $3 billion in awards for nearly 40,000 9/11 victims, more than any other law firm in the country.

If you were there, you have the right to register with the 9/11 Victim Compensation Fund. And, if you are diagnosed with any Ground Zero-related illness, you have the right to enroll in the free World Trade Center Health Program.

If you are diagnosed with a 9/11-related illness, your personal and family medical history does not affect your eligibility for free health care or compensation – the government presumes your illness was the result of exposure to toxins.

Through the health program, 9/11 responders and survivors have access to free, comprehensive medical care for their 9/11-related illnesses. 

The victim fund offers tax-free awards for pain and suffering, lost earnings, and benefits for surviving spouses and family members.

For the WTC Health Program, the exposure zone includes all of Manhattan below Houston Street and parts of Brooklyn Heights and DUMBO in Brooklyn.

For the 9/11 VCF, the exposure zone includes the area of Manhattan south of Canal Street and west of Clinton Street.

Barasch & McGarry can help you register with the 9/11 VCF. Please contact us by visiting 911victims.com or calling 212-385-8000.

If you prefer to register or enroll directly with the 9/11 VCF or the WTC Health Program, visit vcf.gov or cdc.gov/wtc.

Early detection could save your life. Protect yourself and your family.